| Scope | Estimated range |
|---|---|
| 4-panel vinyl | $1,900 – $3,600 |
| 5-panel vinyl | $2,400 – $4,800 |
| 5-panel wood | $3,500 – $6,400 |
| 6-panel custom | $4,800 – $8,300 |
| Curved interior trim | +$500 – $1,800 |
Ranges reflect installed cost including materials and labor for typical residential work. The low end of each range corresponds to a basic vinyl configuration; the high end reflects premium frames, upgraded glazing, and larger units. Last reviewed 2026-11-12.
A bow with five panels has four inter-panel joints, each a potential water and air path. Each joint needs sealing and correct panel-to-panel angle hardware. That is why bows generally outprice bays of similar projection.
Because panels sit at shallow angles, the head and sill are not straight lines. Interior trim must follow the curve, which is a finish carpentry task rather than a standard trim install, and it is usually quoted separately.
A bow typically projects 6-12 inches where a bay projects 12-24. That shallower projection is easier to support without corbels and often avoids roof rework, which can offset the higher panel count.
Bow usually costs slightly more per unit of width because it uses more panels and more joints. Bay can cost more overall when the deeper projection requires corbels and roof rework.
Yes, for the same wall opening. More glass area and shallower angles mean more daylight, and the curve reduces the sharp shadow lines a bay's angled returns create.
It is possible but uncommon. Above the first floor, the cantilever has nothing to sit on, so structural support has to come from the building frame. Expect engineering and significantly higher cost.